The "2nd Sori-1 JAPAN Hokkaido Kijori (Wooden Sled) Championship" will be held. This championship is hosted by the "Japan Kijori Association, a general incorporated association," a group centered around former sledding athletes, with the aim of popularizing the sport of sledding, which is in danger of declining in Japan. It is co-hosted by the Winter Sports Festival Executive Committee and supported by the Sapporo Luge Federation.

Snow luge (Kijori/wooden sled) is a snow sport widely popular in Europe and the United States. Although it is still not very familiar in Japan, in recent years, trial events and competitions have begun to be held at ski resorts nationwide. Its features are that "anyone can easily slide from the first day," "slalom maneuvering is possible like with skis or snowboards," and "everyone from children to adults can participate," and it is gaining attention as a new snow content that even winter sports beginners can enjoy.

In this championship, in addition to a straight-line speed race, a slalom competition that requires sled handling skills will also be held. It is a fitting championship to decide the No. 1 snow luge (Kijori/wooden sled) athlete in Hokkaido. The participation prize is one Coca-Cola product & hot milk. Additionally, top performers will be presented with supplementary prizes such as a Sapporo Teine Ski Resort lift ticket and a case of Coca-Cola.

■ How to Participate: First-come, first-served at the competition venue reception from 10:00 on March 22nd (Sun). *Those wishing to participate in the Expert Division must practice sliding at the trial session and can only participate if they are certified as capable of slalom sliding.


The championship will use wooden sleds called "snow luges" and will be held in the following two divisions.
■ Expert Division
A technical race where competitors slide in a slalom, avoiding flags, and compete for rank based on the total time of two runs.
Only athletes who have practiced sliding at the trial session and are certified as capable of slalom sliding can participate.
*If there are many participants, it may be decided by the time of a single run.

■ Challenge Division
A straight-line speed race with four people starting simultaneously.
A tournament format where the winner advances, a race format that is exciting even for spectators.

The championship will be held as a mixed-gender event, with about 70 participants expected.


March 22nd (Sun)
10:00 Championship registration opens (first-come, first-served)
14:00 Competition briefing
14:05 Championship starts
After the race: Awards ceremony